ROTTERDAM: Amedore wins

It was a good night for Republicans, Tuesday, July 31, as their candidate George Amedore Jr. won the seat for 105th state Assembly district.

Democrat Paul Tonko had held the seat for 25 years, but left his post in July to take a position as president of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

It's been a hell of a long 25 years, Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, said, following Amedore's 13,666 to 10,855 win over Schenectady County Legislator Ed Kosiur.

Amedore built his campaign around the fact that he was not a politician and would bring new ideas to Albany. The homebuilder drew national attention this past winter when ABC-TV's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" broadcast the rebuilding of a Colonie home, with Amedore Homes playing a key role.

"This is not about me, George Amedore, wanting to become an Assemblyman. I am not a politician, I am a businessman," he said. "What I plan on doing as your Assemblyman is to roll up my sleeves, get my hands dirty and serve the people."

Amedore beat his Democratic opponent, who is from Schenectady, by about 1,150 votes in Schenectady County.

Kosiur thanked all of his supporters and volunteers who had gathered in Schenectady for the final results. Kosiur said he knew Schenectady County would be split, but counted on the backing of Tonko to win in Montgomery County, something that didn't happen.

"We will continue to work cooperatively with George to make sure positive things happen in Schenectady County," he said.

The seat will be up for election again in 2008, and Kosiur said he plans to run again. Amedore has vowed to never vote for any tax increases and plans to work to put a cap on property taxes. He has a plan to create jobs and bring new businesses into Montgomery and Schenectady counties with his I-90W Jobs Plan.